Major Travel Restrictions Take Effect in November 2025
November 2025 brings sweeping travel restrictions that affect millions of international travelers worldwide. On November 1st, the U.S. State Department ended third-country visa processing for immigrant visas, while Europe expanded its Entry/Exit System (EES) requiring biometric data from all non-EU travelers. Most recently, on November 17th, Zurich Airport became the latest major hub to implement full EES biometric screening.
These changes represent the most significant overhaul of international travel requirements in years. From stricter visa interview location rules to mandatory fingerprint scanning at European borders, travelers must now navigate complex new requirements that could impact their journey plans.
Key Travel Restriction Changes in November 2025
Seven critical changes took effect this month, fundamentally altering how international travelers prepare for trips:
- November 1, 2025: U.S. immigrant visa applicants must interview in their country of residence or nationality only - third-country processing eliminated
- November 1, 2025: Europe's EES expands to Dover and all channel crossing ports requiring biometric data collection
- November 17, 2025: Zurich Airport launches full EES implementation with kiosks for fingerprint and facial recognition scanning
- Ongoing since June 9, 2025: U.S. travel ban remains in effect for 19 countries with potential expansion to 36 additional nations
- November 2025: New health-based visa screening requires financial self-sufficiency proof for healthcare costs
- Effective now: Visa appointment fees are non-transferable between countries - booking errors result in lost payments
Furthermore, the State Department had already ended third-country processing for nonimmigrant visas on September 6, 2025, setting the stage for November's immigrant visa restrictions. Additionally, travelers should note that biometric data collected through EES remains valid for three years across all Schengen countries.
Who Is Affected By These Travel Restrictions
These sweeping changes impact different traveler groups in distinct ways. Understanding how these restrictions apply to your specific situation is essential for avoiding delays or denied entry.
For US Visa Applicants
If you're applying for a U.S. immigrant or nonimmigrant visa, you must now schedule interviews exclusively at U.S. embassies or consulates in your country of residence or nationality. The popular practice of "third-country processing" - where applicants interviewed in countries like Canada or Mexico - is no longer permitted except in rare humanitarian, medical, or foreign-policy exceptions. Moreover, if you mistakenly book an appointment in the wrong country, your non-refundable visa fee is forfeited.
For Travelers to Europe's Schengen Area
Non-EU travelers visiting any of the 30 Schengen countries must now provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) at border crossings. This requirement applies at airports like Zurich (starting November 17th), as well as land crossings at Dover and channel ports (since November 1st). However, pre-registration is not possible - you must complete the process upon arrival at the border, which may cause longer wait times during the introductory phase.
For Nationals of Travel Ban Countries
Citizens from 19 countries face ongoing U.S. entry restrictions since June 9, 2025. Twelve countries (Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen) are under full travel bans, while seven others (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela) face partial restrictions on specific visa categories including F and J visas. Notably, dual nationals can enter using passports from non-designated countries, and lawful permanent residents remain exempt.
How to Navigate New Visa Interview Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your visa application complies with new location restrictions:
- Determine Your Country of Residence: Identify where you legally reside, not just where you currently travel or work temporarily
- Check Embassy Operations: Visit the U.S. embassy website for your residence country to confirm immigrant visa services are available and operational
- Request Exception if Needed: If your country lacks immigrant-visa operations (like Afghanistan, Haiti, or Eritrea), contact the National Visa Center (NVC) to be assigned to a designated processing post
- Book Correct Location First Time: Double-check your appointment location before payment - fees are non-transferable and you'll lose your money if booking in the wrong country
- Prepare for Longer Wait Times: Expect increased scrutiny and processing delays as consular posts adjust to the new policy restrictions
- Gather Required Documents: Ensure your passport photo meets official requirements - visit VisaPics to verify your photo complies with current U.S. visa specifications
How Europe's EES Biometric System Works - Step by Step
Understanding the EES registration process helps you prepare for smoother border crossings:
- Arrive at Border Control: Proceed to designated EES kiosks or manned counters in the passport control area (Zurich Airport has kiosks in the main hall and Dock B)
- Provide Facial Scan: Look directly at the camera for facial image capture - remove glasses and hats for clear biometric reading
- Submit Fingerprints: Place all fingers on the scanner as directed by border officers - this typically takes 2-3 minutes for first-time registration
- Create Electronic Record: Your biometric data and entry/exit information is stored in the EES database accessible to all Schengen states for three years
- Subsequent Entries: On future visits within three years, your fingerprints are verified against stored data for faster processing - no need to re-register
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions
Mark these critical dates to stay compliant with new requirements:
- June 9, 2025: U.S. nationality-based travel ban took effect for 19 countries at 12:01 AM EDT
- September 6, 2025: Third-country nonimmigrant visa processing ended - applicants must interview in residence/nationality country
- October 12, 2025: Europe's EES launched at Basel and Geneva airports with biometric data collection
- November 1, 2025: Third-country immigrant visa processing eliminated; EES expands to Dover and channel crossings
- November 17, 2025: Zurich Airport implements full EES biometric screening for all international arrivals
- May 7, 2025: U.S. REAL ID enforcement begins for domestic air travel (upcoming deadline)
- April 2026: Full EES deployment planned across all 30 Schengen countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Do Third-Country Visa Processing in November 2025?
No, third-country visa processing ended for nonimmigrant visas on September 6, 2025, and for immigrant visas on November 1, 2025. You must now schedule visa interviews exclusively at U.S. embassies or consulates in your country of residence or nationality. Limited exceptions exist only for humanitarian reasons, medical emergencies, or when your residence country has suspended visa operations.
How Long Does the Europe EES Biometric Registration Take?
First-time EES registration typically takes 2-5 minutes per traveler for fingerprint and facial scans. However, during the introductory phase at newly implemented locations like Zurich Airport, expect longer waiting times of 15-30 minutes due to traveler unfamiliarity with the process. Once registered, your biometric data remains valid for three years across all Schengen countries, making subsequent entries faster.
What Happens If I'm From a Travel Ban Country?
If you're a citizen of one of the 12 fully banned countries (Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen), you cannot enter the U.S. under any visa category. Citizens of the 7 partially restricted countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela) are prohibited from F and J visas but may qualify for other visa types. Exemptions apply to dual nationals using non-designated passports and lawful permanent residents.
Do I Need to Pre-Register for Europe's EES System?
No, pre-registration is not possible for the EES system. The European Union requires that verification and biometric data collection occur directly at the border upon entry. You cannot complete this process online or before travel, so allow extra time at airports and border crossings for first-time registration.
Are My Visa Appointment Fees Refundable If I Book the Wrong Country?
No, U.S. visa appointment fees are non-transferable between countries. If you mistakenly book your visa interview at an embassy in a country where you're not a resident or national, you will forfeit your entire payment and must pay again to book at the correct location. Double-check your eligibility before scheduling to avoid losing hundreds of dollars in fees.
What You Need to Know About November 2025 Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 travel restrictions represent a fundamental shift toward stricter border control and visa processing worldwide. The elimination of third-country visa processing, combined with mandatory biometric screening across Europe, means international travelers face more complex requirements than ever before. Consequently, plan additional time for both visa applications and border crossings to avoid missed flights or denied entry.
Before your next international trip, verify that your passport photo meets all current requirements for visa applications and border control systems. Visit VisaPics to ensure your photo complies with official specifications for over 952 document types across 172 countries - saving you time and preventing application rejections due to non-compliant photos.